It is important to talk to young people about their relationships and make sure they know where to go to get sexual health advice. In this Bitesize session for professionals we talk to Jen Baer, Haringey’s specialist Sexual Health School Nurse to find out why and to get some tips on how to start these conversations, followed by an update on what service are available to young people in Haringey.
- Young people tell us that embarrassment, stigma, and lack of knowledge are barriers to accessing sexual health services[i].
- This is a concern as the data[ii] shows that 16-25 year olds are at greater risk of sexual ill health.
- From September 2020 there is an expectation that by the time young people reach 16 years of age they should know “…how to get further advice, including how and where to access confidential sexual and reproductive health treatment” (DfE 2019)[iii]
- In Haringey we support this because we want our young residents to have the skills and knowledge to make healthy choices and have safe relationships[iv].
- The ‘We’re Open’ campaign aims to let young people know that we offer a range of clinics and pharmacies which provide free, friendly, and confidential sexual health advice. Services will stay open over the Xmas period.
- The campaign will be shared across social media and printed resources will be sent to secondary schools to be used as part of their planned ‘Relationships and Sex Education’ (RSE) programmes.
- The campaign is led by Public Health in collaboration with Haringey’s Communications Team. For Comms enquiries please contact Brown@haringey.gov.uk and Sexual Health enquires please contact Anna.Martinez@haringey.gov.uk or Akeem.Ogunyemi@haringey.gov.uk
[i] Online Survey of 15-16 year olds, part of the Haringey Strategy Review (2020)
[ii] Haringey Sexual Health Joint Needs Assessment (2019) https://www.haringey.gov.uk/sites/haringeygovuk/files/jsna_sexualhealth.pdf
[iii] Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education: Statutory guidance for governing bodies, proprietors, head teachers, principals, senior leadership teams, teachers (2019) Department for Education: London
[iv] Haringey Borough Plan (2019-2023) and Sexual Health Strategy (2021-24)